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    Gibson Ranch Regional Park

    3.6 (125 reviews)
    Closed 7:00 am - 8:30 pm

    Gibson Ranch Regional Park Photos

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    Summer of 2024 with the girlfriend
    Julie L.

    We went here for the summer lantern festival.... it was fun, yet crowded! This park is huge and I actually didn't realize that you can horseback ride here. How cool! I don't know necessarily if I would go back here just to hang out, but in a large group setting or event setup, it's definitely the perfect little spot for day time to evening coziness!

    Today's  date
    Assem B.

    Today I went to Gibson Ranch with my daughter. We walked around and looked at the animals -- we saw horses, different animals, birds, ducks, and a lake. It was a beautiful day. Then, as we were walking, my daughter saw two kittens and wanted to pet them. We started petting them, and she was so happy. But suddenly, a woman sitting nearby started yelling at us, saying, "You didn't greet me! You didn't ask my name! Leave right now!" I calmly explained, "Please relax -- my daughter is autistic. She doesn't always greet strangers, and that's okay. She meant no harm." But the woman kept shouting, saying, "Leave me alone! Go back to your people!" There was a religious group nearby having a gathering, but we were not part of them. We came on our own, just to walk in the park. I told her that, but she still kept yelling at us to leave and asked where we were from, telling us to "go back to your country." She became emotional, started crying, and continued trying to drive us away. It was awful. I was shocked and deeply hurt by how she treated us. My daughter was very upset. She kept asking me for hours afterward, "Why was she crying? Why did she tell us to leave? Why was she so mean to us?" She couldn't understand what we did wrong. It was a heartbreaking experience. I don't even want to go back there again.

    Diana M.

    Very nice open park! I have a dog who is reactive to other dogs and needs lots of space. He was able to comfortably walk and sniff with no close encounters. Had a great time!

    KC C.

    We attended the Water Lantern Festival at Gibson Ranch on Saturday, June 1, 2024 and it was a unique experience that truly embodied inclusivity and community spirit. The festival was a perfect location, held at a beautiful lakeside, brought together by so many people from all walks of life to celebrate. People decorated their lanterns with heartfelt messages and drawings. It was amazing to see strangers bonded over their lantern messages. When the moment finally came to release the lanterns and the sun began to set, you can sense the excitement in the air. As each person set their lantern gently on the water, it illuminated the dark lake with a soft twinkling glow. The reflection of thousands of lanterns floating in perfect harmony created a stunning, almost magical moment. It was a deeply moving experience for others and reminded me of the power of a community coming together. It's an event I highly recommend to anyone looking for a meaningful, inclusive, and visually stunning experience. Pros: great location, plenty of food truck vendors Cons: parking and traffic entering and exiting was a challenge and very long food lines.

    Alex N.

    Used to come here all the time as a kid, came here recently with my kids, some things are great and shouldn't change much, this is one of those, still just as good

    Water Lantern Festival Bag
    Clarence M.

    Had an amazing experience at the Water Lantern Festival. The vibe was positive. The organizers did a great job putting on this event. Registration was quick and simple. The restrooms were clean. They had a few vendors selling food and jewelry. I had a great time with my famil

    Food truck for the lantern festival.
    Alina J.

    My daughter and I went to the Water Lantern Festival for the first time and enjoyed it. There were food trucks, music and good vibes. Everyone was friendly and the park rangers were very helpful. It's a huge park. I have lived in Sacramento almost 7 years and this was my first time here. It's a quick trip from my home which I don't mind. There also some bbq pits and some picnic tables. I recommend you bring your own chairs, blankets and tents. Great spot to relax. Bathroom has only two stalls so be prepared to wait.

    Hiking trail
    Teresa B.

    Came here on last weekend during Coronavirus (hiking is allowed under the statewide but definitely check the Park's website before coming). Only one other car besides mine. $5 for entrance fee. While the hiking trails was quite short, it's picturesque and meanders along the river. Some pretty views and 2 secluded beach spots. Very tranquil and would make a nice picnic spot or reading when the weather gets warmer. The park itself is huge and clean. There's plenty of picnic benches and BBQ grills. Not crowded at all and everyone was very respectful, abiding by the safe distance. Saw a few folks on horseback.

    Kimberly O.

    This is a county park. I loved coming here, until I saw the animals not taken care of. There were Llamas that had so much matted fur and the nails were so long that they were curling. There was a black and white cow that looked so sick and starving...i wept and wept to the Lord for the poor animals. It was so sad to see. I love animals so much. Once you drive in...there is a pretty good size dog park...and as you continue in...there is a small lake that is so peaceful and beautiful. It is stocked with fish...has ducks and geese...chipmunks...egrets. There are picnic tables all over for parties you may have. If you want a peaceful place to sit...this place is beautiful and peaceful. I just hate how the animals were not taken care of. I just went again a couple of days ago...all the goats...cows...goals...... were gone. Not one could I see. I hope they are being taken care of.

    Park Entrance

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    20 days ago

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    5 days ago

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    6 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 month ago

    Not bad experience. Landed on the best day of the week LOL. Good food and good time together. Place isn't too bad.

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    8 months ago

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    9 months ago

    Great place for a family picnic or simply to take a walk ! The playground is great for small children

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    1 year ago

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    5 months ago

    The bathrooms are dirty and never have any soap to wash your hands. Otherwise the place is beautiful

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    2 years ago

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    1 year ago

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    1 year ago

    Walking the 300+ acres is great. Clean, upgraded bathrooms, new large gathering shaded picnic area.

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    Page 1 of 4

    Ask the Community - Gibson Ranch Regional Park

    Is this place dog friendly?

    The Park is Dog Friendly and there is actually a DOG Park within the premises.

    Is the lantern event an annual event?

    How do we contact? Line is not valid and website doesn't work?

    View All 6 Questions

    Review Highlights - Gibson Ranch Regional Park

    Not a long ago we had one of my friend birthday party so we gather up there at Gibson ranch park.

    Mentioned in 3 reviews

    Read more highlights

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    American River Canyon Overlook Park

    American River Canyon Overlook Park

    5.0
    (11 reviews)
    21.4 mi

    If you can handle straight down and straight up hiking, trail running, or horseback riding with…read morecliff drop-offs, this Bud's for you! Head down the paved road to the river. Someone else said it's 3 miles round trip but my Strava says 3.2 miles up from the river with 800' gain. :shrug Check out Alltrails app for more input and routes. If you stick to the pavement route, the path is very wide, two cars width and more at times. So no fears of steep drop-offs. Beyond the river, it's single track. On the dirt routes going down to the river, it's very technical and steep. Though I've never been on it, I know about K2/Cardiac Hill. LOL! If you want to explore the Western States trail that's used by Tevis Cup and Western States Endurance Race (both 100 mile endurance races one on horse one on foot), then head down the dirt trail off the horse side. If you travel a little more than 3 miles down this path you'll encounter a waterfall if there's still flowing water. Cross in the water or on the bridge (horses ok either way). But again, this trail isn't for the faint of heart when it comes to horses and their riders. Be mindful it may be too much for you or your horse. Horse side has a large watering hole that had water in it in early April 2023 (while some locations fear the horse sicknesses and have shut off water). There's also tying rails. And plenty of room to maneuver a rig. Paved side has a building with restrooms. The restroom is accessed by the paved lot but is on the side nearest the dirt lot/horse trailer parking. I don't recall it having soap or towels or hand dryers in April 2023. C'mon 'rona, give us soap even if it's the sandpaper powder! Be aware that some days there are major events and you may not be able to park there. I suppose you can call City of Auburn or just be prepared to go somewhere different such as railroad park. Major events include: Tevis Cup, Western States Endurance Race, and American River Endurance Race.

    Beautiful large park. Costs $7 to enter/park, and there's a strict close time to leave at sundown…read more Highly recommend for biking, but not so much for casual walking with kids. This place is huge and has a decent amount of hills and flat areas.

    Photos
    Equestrian side (dirt lot) next to the canal at sunset. April 2, 2023
    Equestrian side (dirt lot) next to the canal at sunset. April 2, 2023
    American River Canyon Overlook Park
    On the hiking trail

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    On the hiking trail
    Black Hole of Calcutta Falls

    Black Hole of Calcutta Falls

    4.6
    (39 reviews)
    23.8 mi

    On AllTrails app search "Western States Trail to Calcutta Falls". Parallel Parking on the street…read moreClose to the trailhead - get here early otherwise your parking will be part of your hike. It's early spring. There is lots of wildflowers - lots and lots of butterflies to see. Got to see many reptiles - skinks and a variety of lizards. Many hawks flying overhead. Lots of amazing views of the river. And a couple of small waterfalls. Walked further than the posted trail on All Trails just to add some extra mileage.

    We stopped by on a Friday afternoon and the sun was peaking in and out from the clouds. The…read moreopening to the trail can be easily missed so just pay attention to the signs. The address on Yelp is not accurate so I would suggest using Google for directions. Parking is limited so if you don't get lucky with snagging one of the parking spots in the front then just park down the corridor and make the walk back up. The entire trail itself is flat with very little to no incline. We had my three younger nieces with us and they were able to physically complete the hike with no complaints. As you reach the bridge, walk across it and keep going to see the end prize of a gorgeous waterfall. The hike will amaze you with some scenic views of beautiful mountain backdrops with clear waters roaming down the stream. It was a very peaceful and therapeutic experience. We were able to have conversations without the disruptions of life, and we had a chance to soak in nature without the nuances of digital connectivity. So -- bring some water, snacks, and maybe a light lunch to enjoy the short and yet breathtaking experience with your loved ones. P.S. you will pass a few mini waterfalls before getting to the grand prize. Even if you don't see or hear anything for a while, just keep going because once you turn the corner -- it will all have been worth it. Although I'm an avid hiker and have walked through many trails throughout the state, this trail will remain my favorite trail in all of California.

    Photos
    Someone's creation.  Super cool.
    Someone's creation. Super cool.
    Black Hole of Calcutta Falls
    Peaceful.

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    Peaceful.

    Gibson Ranch Regional Park - parks - Updated July 2026

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